Hieronymus Bosch(1)

Boschfs works included several triptychs or paintings on three wooden panels that are attached to each other to form the completed image. The painting of The Garden of Earthly Delights was in the said form with Adam and Eve in the middle panel and one side is a reflection of his vision of hell and the other as heaven. One of his most avid patrons was King Philip II of Spain who acquired many of his paintings after his death. These wondrous works of art are housed in the Prado Museum in Madrid which is home and owner of several paintings including The Garden of Earthly Delights.Bosch changed his style of painting towards the end of his illustrious life to a form that has large figures that appear to leap out of the canvas and stand close to the observer. A good example of this late style of his is Christ Crowned with Thorns. His style reflects the true Flemish style of painting that regards a smooth surface to be an attempt to hide the fact that it was made by man. The rough texture is evident on most of his works as a form of expression that can still be felt to this day. One other fact about the artist that has kept most of his work hidden through all the years was the mere fact that he didnft bother to date most of his work not alone affix his signature as a form of seal that would allow future generations to determine their authenticity. Most of his works that have been lost have never been recovered due to the lack of authenticating marks such as his signature and the date when the work was completed that most artists from all ages did. Of all the works of art attributed to him, only 25 are assured to be his that bear his signature or any other distinguishing marks that are considered to be solely his.